Pasture And People, and All

Birthday week is one of my favorite times to slow down to reflect on the journey God has brought me through, to observe the place I find myself in today, and to look at the road that lies ahead. I think back to the parts of my journey where I walked through valleys of sorrow and pain, valleys of waiting and transition, and valleys of tiredness and despair. I think back to the seasons I climbed up mountains of victory and accomplishment, mountains of challenge and persistence, and mountains of learning and excitement. And then, I think about where I am today.

I imagine a lush mountain with many peaks to look back on the trail that I’ve traveled, and to look forward and imagine the path that lies ahead. I imagine flat areas of the mountain that stretch out with lush green fields. And, I imagine steep trails that require the use of hands to brace myself from slipping. But, in this train of thought, I am walking and climbing alone. Wait. This isn’t completely true to my experience!

Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:9-10).

Maybe there are places where there is one lone sheep that has strayed its way away from the flock, but I have personally never seen a sheep alone on pasture. Have you?

So, I enter back into my imagination, reminded of the people who are traveling with me, whose paths have merged with mine along the way. And then suddenly, the steep trails and the stretch of fields shift my journey from quietness and solitude to laughter, conversation, and song.

I am learning new ways to practice remembrance, and to value the experiences throughout my journey. I celebrated my 24th birthday this past week and this time around, I can joyfully say: It feels good to be alive because my God is good and He always provides — pasture and people, and all.